SEATTLE - The Seattle Storm has signed veteran Nakia Sanford to a free agent contract, Head Coach & General Manager Brian Agler announced today. The Storm roster now stands at 12 players as Agler recently signed guards Temeka Johnson and Noelle Quinn. Veterans Lauren Jackson and Ann Wauters will not play the 2013 season in Seattle.

Sanford, a 6-4 forward/center out of Kansas, is a 10-year veteran who played the last two seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. She played in 30 games, starting 15, and averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Mercury in 2012.

Sanford started her professional career with Washington when she signed as a free agent in 2003 and played eight seasons with the Mystics. She signed with Phoenix as a free agent in 2011.

Sanford, who has career averages of 6.1 points and 4.5 rebounds, is known for her consistency having played in 235 of her team’s last 240 regular season games. She has twice been a candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year.

“Nakia is a seasoned veteran in the league,” said Agler. “She is a great rebounder and defender and has really expanded her versatility offensively. We feel like she will come in and be a strong foundation for us on the defensive end. Nakia is a high character individual who has a great work ethic. It’s impressive that she has sustained her career in the WNBA this long and it’s because of her work ethic and her ability to play within a team setting.”

“I am excited to be joining the Storm family,” Sanford said via email from Korea, where she is currently playing. “It's a great opportunity to play for a strong coaching staff and in front of some of the most supportive fans in the W.”

The Storm opens the 2013 season on the road, at Los Angeles, May 26. The home opener is June 2 versus Phoenix.